I take advantage of Google Pockets on daily basis ...

Android 16 is formally out now, and when you’ve got a Pixel 6a or newer, you possibly can obtain the replace proper now. Presently, Android 16 is a comparatively small replace that lays the muse for Google’s future plans, together with its Material Expressive 3 design language, which is anticipated to launch later this 12 months.

That stated, Android 16 does embody just a few new options so that you can discover, similar to reside replace notifications (just like the iPhone’s reside actions) and a brand new Superior Safety safety setting that gives stronger safeguards to your telephone towards on-line assaults and dangerous apps.

Nevertheless, for me, one of many standout options of Android 16 is not significantly flashy, nevertheless it does characterize a big quality-of-life enchancment nonetheless. For those who steadily use Google Pockets for on a regular basis purchases, like shortly grabbing a espresso, this new setting Google has added to Android 16 will make it simpler than ever to entry Google Pockets on Pixel units.

Google has launched a brand new setting that permits you to double-tap the ability button to open Google Wallet, making it simpler and faster to entry the app, choose a card, and make a contactless cost (through Android Authority). Earlier than Android 16, Pixel house owners might solely double-tap the ability button to open the digicam app. Whereas this was useful, if you end up making extra Google Pockets purchases all through the day than making an attempt to open the digicam app, it is most likely value contemplating altering this setting.

open Google Pockets shortly with Android 16

Google is enjoying meet up with this new characteristic

If you wish to change your energy button to open Google Pockets as an alternative of the digicam app, it is very simple to do. Simply go to Settings > System > Gestures > Double press energy button and alter the setting to Pockets as an alternative of Digital camera. Now, while you double-tap the ability button, your Pixel will open Google Pockets slightly than the digicam app, permitting you to shortly choose a card and make a purchase order with it.

Some individuals might argue that it is higher to maintain the double-press setting on the digicam app, as a result of you possibly can simply entry the pockets app from the Fast Settings menu and the digicam is what extra individuals scramble to achieve sooner as an alternative.

That is a legitimate level, however as somebody who has used an iPhone most of their life, I am very used to double-pressing the ability button to open Apple Pockets. This new Android 16 setting permits my Pixel to do the identical, which I choose, as I typically swap between the 2 units and I wish to hold related functionalities like this if I can.

Whereas it is good to see Google lastly implement this with Android 16, it nonetheless lags behind Samsung. With One UI 7, Samsung offers considerably extra customization choices for adjusting the double-tap performance on the ability button. You’ll be able to set it to open not solely the digicam app but in addition any app in your gadget. This implies you possibly can set it to Google Pockets, X, Instagram, TikTok, or no matter app you need to open immediately.

It might be nice if Google adopted this method for Pixel units as effectively, permitting you to set it to any app you favor, slightly than simply opening the digicam or pockets.

I am comfortable Google has made this transformation although, and making purchases with Google Pockets simply obtained rather more handy due to it. You’ll be able to obtain Android 16 now on a Pixel 6a and newer. I examined this characteristic on my Pixel 8a working Android 16 and it really works flawlessly.

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